| Outdoor grilling is such a popular method of cooking | | | | grill then why not try a chimney starter for ease of |
| these days that it is easy to forget that outdoor grills | | | | lighting. |
| can be very dangerous. In this article I am going to | | | | - Do not wear loose fitting clothing that is likely to |
| cover some essential safety tips that when followed, | | | | dangle into the fire and catch light. A pair of heat |
| will keep you and your family safe during the grilling | | | | resistant grilling gloves or mitts are a great way of |
| season. | | | | protecting your hands and lower arms. |
| - Check Your Grill - This is especially important if your | | | | - Use long handled grilling tools whilst cooking. This will |
| grill has not been used for some time. It is important to | | | | allow you to reach all areas of the grill without burning |
| check your grill for wear and damage, this applies to | | | | your hands. Try and avoid tools made of nylon and |
| both gas grills and charcoal grills. If you have a gas grill | | | | other materials that could easily melt. |
| then remember to check that the rubber gas hose | | | | - Invest in a grilling thermometer. This will ensure your |
| that connects to your gas cylinder is in good condition. | | | | meat and poultry are cooked right through. |
| - Grill Positioning - Place your grill on a solid, level | | | | - Keep a fire extinguisher or a spray bottle of water |
| surface, well away from any flammable material and | | | | close to hand. A grill fire can quickly get out of hand - |
| ideally a good 3 meters from any structure. | | | | especially when using a charcoal grill. If food drips too |
| - Never leave a lit grill unattended. - The Fire can | | | | much fat and juice onto the fire this can result in a |
| quickly and easily rage out of control, and remember | | | | flare up. Usually water from a spray bottle is sufficient |
| that charcoal can burn at very high temperatures. | | | | to reduce a flare up. |
| - Never allow children or pets to play or run around | | | | - Make sure all plates, boards, knives and other utensils |
| your grilling area. A knocked over grill can cause | | | | that have come into contact with raw fish, meat or |
| severe burn injuries. | | | | poultry are washed properly. |
| - Never use any kind of accelerant to assist in the | | | | - When you have finished grilling, ensure the grill is fully |
| lighting of your grill. If you have a gas grill and it does | | | | cooled before moving it. If you have a charcoal grill, |
| not have an automatic ignition system, then a long | | | | make sure the coals are completely cooled before |
| handled butane lighter is ideal. If you have a charcoal | | | | you empty them. |